PLEA OF GUILTY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 99, 11 December 1939, Page 5

PLEA OF GUILTY

FARMER FINED £15

SUPPLYING LIQUOR TO MAORI

Before Mr A. Coleman, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, Joseph Addison, farmer, ofWai mana, was charged with selling liquor to a native and Avith selling liquor to a native for consumption off licensed premises. Both charges related to November 4th.

Mr C. Otley appeared for Addison who pleaded guilty.

Constable Rice, of Taneatua, said that as the result of information received he obtained a search warrant and he executed this on November 7th in company with Constable F. Fuller. The defendant had made a voluntary statement and there Avas nothing against him, The constable said that the offence of supplying liquor to Maoris was regarded very seriously. Mr Otley pleaded that defendant AA as a farmer in trouble for the first time. He Avas well known in the Waimana district and there had been no reason for him to commit the offence. A*n order for suppression was re- 1 fused. The Magistrate: The legislation about both offences is very strict. It is a shocking thing to put liquor under the ftoseS of the Maoris. Though perhaps this case is not as serious as some, I must make the fine substantial. Addison was fined £5 and 10s costs on the first count and £10 and £1 costs on the second.